Fixing the Annoying Valorant Secure Boot Error on Windows 11
Dealing with that pesky Secure Boot error when trying to dive into Valorant on Windows 11? You’re definitely not the only one facing this issue. Basically, Secure Boot is a security feature built into UEFI that ensures only trusted software is loaded during the startup. If it’s not enabled, Valorant might just throw up errors faster than you can click “play.” The good news is fixing this usually isn’t rocket science, as long as you’re comfortable poking around in BIOS or UEFI settings.
Here’s a rundown on how to enable Secure Boot, so you can get back to gaming without all the fuss.
Getting Into BIOS/UEFI
Alright, start by restarting your computer. When it powers back up, you need to hammer down the key that opens the BIOS—it’s often F2, F10, DEL, or ESC. But it really depends on the make and model, so if you’re stuck, a quick online search with your computer’s name plus “enter BIOS” should help you find it. Once you hit the right key, you’ll be thrust into this interface that can look completely different from machine to machine—some are sleek while others look like they time-traveled from the 90s.
You’re looking for that Boot or Security tab. Sometimes, you may need to disable Fast Boot or even toggle CSM (Compatibility Support Module) just to access what you need.
Finding the Secure Boot Setting
Once you’re in, head over to the Boot or Security menu. This is where it can get a bit tricky: “Secure Boot” might not be labeled as such—it could be hiding under “Secure Boot Control” or possibly even in an “Authentication” menu depending on your motherboard. Here’s where things might differ:
- If you see Secure Boot is greyed out, you likely need to switch your BIOS to UEFI mode from Legacy. Look for settings in Boot Mode or Boot Priority.
Don’t get too frustrated; check around for anything that mentions security or boot control. Most setups don’t make it easy, but you’ll find it.
Enabling Secure Boot
Now, this is the key part—when you spot the Secure Boot option, switch it from “Disabled” to “Enabled.” This might be a simple toggle, but if your BIOS is ancient, you might have to first switch Boot Mode from Legacy to UEFI. There’s a chance enabling Secure Boot means you may have to:
- Convert your disk from MBR to GPT if that’s an issue—that might require running a command like
mbr2gpt /convertin an admin Command Prompt. - Some BIOS might require you to flip Secure Boot off just to make adjustments, then turn it back on afterwards.
After toggling it, save your settings! Usually, hitting F10 or selecting Save & Exit will do it, but make sure you confirm—otherwise, it’s like your changes never happened, and who wants to do this dance twice?
Booting Back into Windows 11
Assuming all went well, your system should boot into Windows 11 with Secure Boot now enabled. You can confirm it’s working by typing msinfo32 in the Run dialog (just press Windows + R) and checking under Secure Boot State—it should say On.
Sometimes, these settings need a bit of fussing with, so don’t be surprised if a couple of reboots are required.
Launching Valorant
Now, go ahead and launch Valorant. If enabling Secure Boot did the trick, you should finally get to play without that annoying error. If it’s still a no-go, it might be worth going back into BIOS to double-check that Secure Boot is still enabled and maybe even check for any BIOS updates on the manufacturer’s website under Support or something similar.
Once everything aligns, you should be back in action. It’s like having a bouncer at your digital club—keeping the sketchy stuff out, so Valorant can roll smoothly. And with Secure Boot on, the game should be more than happy to launch.